Death toll climbs to 12; over 300,000 displaced — OCD
Speaker Martin Romualdez facilitated the release of P390 million in financial aid to indigents affected by the “Enteng,” which intensified into a severe tropical storm yesterday, leaving in its wake at least 12 dead and more than 300,000 displaced.
“We requested separate financial aid for the affected districts in accordance with the directive of President Bongbong Marcos to support those affected by the typhoon,” Romualdez said as his office and that of Tingog party-list began distributing 35,000 food packs—each containing canned goods, noodles, and rice— yesterday at evacuation centers in Metro Manila and Rizal.
“I understand how overwhelming it must be to face these challenges back-to-back, and I want you to know that you are not alone – we stand with you during this difficult time,” he added.
“Enteng” is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility today (Wednesday), even as rains brought about by the storm and the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat” may persist until Friday.
Landslides and extreme flooding during the height of the “Enteng” left at least 12 people dead, the Office of Civil Defense said Tuesday.
OCD spokesperson Edgar Posadas told ANC the majority of the deaths were due to drowning.
In Antipolo, Relly Bernardo of the local disaster risk and management office said four were killed due to landslides while three died from drowning.
For his part, Romualdez said financial aid of P10 million each will be distributed to indigent families in the the 39 congressional districts affected by the storm.
“While this may be a small step, I hope it offers some immediate relief and helps you begin the process of rebuilding. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the House Members who moved swiftly to ensure this support reached those who need it most. Their dedication to serving their communities in such trying times is commendable,” he added.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development, for its part, distributed more than P16 million worth of augmentation support to local government units to help them meet the needs of their constituents affected by “Enteng.”
DSWD Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group Irene Dumlao said the aid covers food and non-food items distributed in Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Central and Eastern Visayas.
“Enteng” displaced over 80,000 families, or over 300,000 individuals, Dumlao said, with over 14,000 families or about 60,000 individuals staying in evacuation centers across the affected regions.
As this developed, an environmental expert said the recent flooding in Rizal could be attributed to outdated drainage systems that could not handle increasing surface runoff.
In a TV Patrol interview, Rex Cruz, a Professor Emeritus at UP Los Baños, said: “Apparently our drainage systems in the past didn’t really take into account that at some point in the future, like now, the surface runoff would increase.”
“If the drainage system were sufficient, there shouldn’t be much accumulation on the surface—in other words, there shouldn’t be flooding because the rainwater should be able to flush out easily,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rizal residents believed the “deforestation” of various parts of the province contributed to the massive flooding.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Government sets P390-m aid for ‘Enteng’ victims—Romualdez”
